NASOVAC: A Saviour From Swine Flu

With the launch of the first indigenous intra-nasal vaccine for swine flu onÂ 14 July 2010 in Mumbai, it was undoubtedly one of the most memorable days in the history of thepharmaceutical industry in India. Once injected,it protects people from the deadly swine flu virus- H1N1.This pandemic has already taken a heavy toll on preciouslives. There have been reports of aroundÂ 1035 deaths so far.

This virulent flu originated in Mexico in 2009, and has spread widely in our country as well, since then. Subsequently,our government started screening people coming from affectedcountries, for swine flu symptoms. The symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu and may include-fever, sneezing, sore throat, cough, headache and muscle orjoint pain. Experts assume that the virus most likely emergedfrom pigs in Asia and infected persons became the carriers of this disease, hence its rapid spread in North America. The H1N1 virus typically spreads fromcoughs and sneezes or by touching contaminated surfacesand then touching the nose or mouth. Over a year, therehas been an increase in rate of transmission of this virus.Until now, there have been reports of 10193 cases of swine flu.People are so petrified they are even canceling businesstrips abroad therefore; the ‘flu’ has a pernicious effecton the global economy too. It is a common sight to seepeople wearing masks in public areas and avoiding publictransport.The recent launch of the intra-nasal vaccine byÂ Serum instituteof India can be a respite for many. Its Pune based makersclaim that 0.5ml of theÂ vaccine Nasovac when delivered into thenasal cavity can guard a person from the troublesome, and often fatal, H1N1virus or swine flu for a period of over a year or two. TheSerum Institute of India claims that it is painless, safe andhas no side effects. It is even affordable, as one nasal shotcosts Rupees 160, which is half the price of foreign vaccinessold in India. However, it may not be of use to the sectionswho are most vulnerable- pregnant women, infants andpeople with suppressed immunity. Involving egg-basedtechnology, the vaccine could have contra-indication onthose with hypersensitivity to eggs, besides those takingaspirin therapy. Other participants in the H1NI vaccinessegment includeÂ Sanofi Aventis, Zydus Cadila, Panacea Biotec and Bharat Biotec.

Serum will donate Rupees 3 croreworth of vaccines to under-privileged people throughNGOs. Despite the low cost, Serum doubts whether thenasal vaccine would be widely used because Indians do nothave the habit of using flu vaccines. Moreover, we live in tropicsand are more susceptible to viruses. Therefore, we have betterimmunological reaction than westerners do. However, we must keepourselves informed about the happenings, and the steps wecan take to prevent this!Serum is also in process of developing another swine fluvaccine for children below 3 years. It will hit the marketsafter 2-3 months. Further, the union government must issuea health advisory to the public at large so that people switchto this painless prevention method — vaccination againstswine flu…

Youth Ki Awaaz is an open platform where anybody can publish. This post does not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions.

If you sign up with Google, Twitter or Facebook, we'll automatically import your bio which you will be able to edit/change after
logging in. Also, we'll never post to Twitter or Facebook without your permission. We take privacy very seriously.
For more info, please see Terms.

Get Started

Login to share a story

Follow your favourite authors

Reach a community that cares

Take part in campaigns

Drive change

Youth Ki Awaaz is a community of contributors whose stories and perspectives define what matters to today's generation.

If you sign up with Google, Twitter or Facebook, we'll automatically import your bio which you will be able to edit/change after
logging in. Also, we'll never post to Twitter or Facebook without your permission. We take privacy very seriously.
For more info, please see Terms.

Get Started

Login to share a story

Follow your favourite authors

Reach a community that cares

Take part in campaigns

Drive change

Do more with Youth Ki Awaaz: Sign up to comment, login to share a story, reach a community that cares, take part in campaigns and more.

If you sign up with Google, Twitter or Facebook, we'll automatically import your bio which you will be able to edit/change after
logging in. Also, we'll never post to Twitter or Facebook without your permission. We take privacy very seriously.
For more info, please see Terms.

Stay updated with the latest from Youth Ki Awaaz. Follow them on Youth Ki Awaaz.

Youth Ki Awaaz is a community of contributors whose stories and perspectives define what matters to today's generation.

If you sign up with Google, Twitter or Facebook, we'll automatically import your bio which you will be able to edit/change after
logging in. Also, we'll never post to Twitter or Facebook without your permission. We take privacy very seriously.
For more info, please see Terms.

Youth Ki Awaaz is a community of contributors whose stories and perspectives define what matters to today's generation.

If you sign up with Google, Twitter or Facebook, we'll automatically import your bio which you will be able to edit/change after
logging in. Also, we'll never post to Twitter or Facebook without your permission. We take privacy very seriously.
For more info, please see Terms.

Recommend this story by Youth Ki Awaaz and help it reach more people.

Youth Ki Awaaz is a community of contributors whose stories and perspectives define what matters to today's generation. Login to write, follow your favourite authors, recommend stories that matter and more.

If you sign up with Google, Twitter or Facebook, we'll automatically import your bio which you will be able to edit/change after
logging in. Also, we'll never post to Twitter or Facebook without your permission. We take privacy very seriously.
For more info, please see Terms.